Debra Messing and David Hyde Pierce Will Host 79th Annual Drama League Awards

By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
08 May 2013

David Hyde Pierce

Photo by Joan Marcus

Emmy winner Debra Messing, who can currently be seen on the NBC musical series "Smash," will join the previously announced Tony and Emmy winner David Hyde Pierce to co-host the 79th Annual Drama League Awards, which will be held May 17 at the Marriott Marquis Times Square.

For the first time in its history, The Drama League will welcome stage directors to its esteemed dais of performers as awards presenters for the major categories. The 2013 Award Presenters, all of whom are alumni of The Drama League Directors Project, include Rachel Chavkin, Pam MacKinnon, Diane Paulus and Alex Timbers.

The 2013 Special Awards recipients include three-time Tony winner Peters, who will receive the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre Award in recognition of her contribution to the musical theatre; Madison Square Garden Entertainment & the Rockettes, who will receive the Unique Contribution to the Theatre Award for the continuing efforts in promoting live theatre; and Tony Award winner Mitchell, who will receive The Founders Award for Excellence in Directing.

Here Lies Love The Public Theater Music by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, Concept and Lyrics by David Byrne Directed by Alex Timbers Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director; Patrick Willingham, Executive Director

First awarded in 1922 and formalized in 1935, The Drama League Awards are the oldest theatrical honors in America. They are the only major theatregoer awards chosen by audience members — specifically, by the thousands of Drama League members nationwide who attend Broadway and Off-Broadway productions.